I’ve had amazing time representing NAM this year! It has truly been a remarkable year of service. I have volunteered for several organizations, including The Ronald McDonald House, The Oregon
Humane Society, and my favorite, The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund – where I created my own fundraiser to help mountain gorilla conservation in Africa.

I’ve had so many great opportunities this year, including a live broadcast on “Good Day Oregon”, meeting the top 10 American Idols and interviewing Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina for KUPL radio station, and also meeting all of the American Idols judges during their audition stop in Portland.

In October, I was invited to go to New York to present my check to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. I got to speak one on one with the head primatologists that work for the fund about the gorilla treks and all of their duties. The coolest part was meeting my idol, Sigourney Weaver who played Dian Fossey in the movie “Gorillas In The Mist”. Can you believe of all places, I ran in to my sister queen Madison while there?!

Nationals was amazing! I met some new friends and got to catch up with some old ones too. We toured Hollywood, went to Universal Studios, and of course, Disneyland. I was honored to take home 1st runner up in actress, 2nd runner up in volunteer service (yay!), 1st runner up in the Alumni Association Essay Scholarship, and 1st runner up in the Art Contest with the awesome “Oregon” shirt that my Oma helped me make.

To my sister queens: Kyenna, you have been the best big sister I could ask for and such a great role model for all of us. Ariel, you are so beautiful and I admire your free spirit. Madison, you are so sweet and kind and ALWAYS have a huge smile on your face. Ciara, you are so talented and fun to be around. Deja, where do I start? You are the little sister I always wanted. I love all of our adventures and solving “mysteries” with you. I feel so blessed that our families met. To Kyra, I had alot of fun at the parades with you and our silly stories we made up during the car rides. Isabella, I’m glad I got to know you this year- you are a sweet girl.

Thank you to Matt, Mandy, and the rest of the NAM staff for all you do. Thank you to my family for being so supportive and the BEST cheering section a girl could ask for. To my successor… get ready for the time of your life! The year will go by fast, so remember to make the most of it.

At age 11, Madeline Monlux who won her title in May has been working diligently to raise money for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an organization close to Madeline’s heart, as she would like to become a primatologist and follow in the footsteps of her idol, the late Dian Fossey.

She loves mountain gorillas and recently raised over $1000 to bring awareness and shed light on gorilla conservation. Helping her shed that light might just be the sparkling crown and sash she wears as Miss Oregon Pre Teen.

At age 11, Madeline Monlux who won her title in May has been working diligently to raise money for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an organization close to Madeline’s heart, as she would like to become a primatologist and follow in the footsteps of her idol, the late Dian Fossey.

No stranger to volunteering, Madeline has given her time every weekend since June to a variety of charitable events and organizations. As Miss Oregon Pre Teen, Madeline has traveled throughout the state as an ambassador for Oregon, as well as speaking about her passion, the mountain gorillas.

Madeline came up with an idea to sell stuffed gorillas complete with special certificates, with all of the proceeds benefiting the Fossey fund. She partnered with the Fossey fund and TY (the beanie baby company) and the results were astonishing. Madeline named each gorilla individually after African namesakes meaning love, peace and other positive messages. She then tied a special bow on each gorilla and then it was time to get to work selling the gorillas.

“People wanted to buy the gorillas before they were even available”, says Monlux referring to an announcement made on social media site, Facebook.

“My friends and family, pageant people and people from all over supported this project. I have sold almost 100 gorillas and raised over $1000 for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund,” exclaims a proud Monlux.

In early October, Madeline was invited as a special guest to the Dian Fossey Circle Luncheon in New York, where she had the opportunity to meet with her favorite actress, Sigourney Weaver, who portrayed Dian Fossey in the film, “Gorillas in the Mist”, talk with primatologists from Africa who work with the mountain gorillas and present a check to the organization’s CEO. A dream come true for a young woman who simply wants to help protect her gorilla friends.

Madeline had the most amazing time and has been offered so many wonderful opportunities from people she met there. They all loved her and she was even asked to be an honorary board member of the foundation. She has been invited to speak at an upcoming event at Pebble Beach, California and was also invited for a private tour of the gorilla habitat at the Atlanta Zoo.

Get ready for an exciting and fun filled pageant! It seems like only yesterday that my reign began! My year as Miss Oregon Junior Pre Teen has been a blast and an honor. When they called my name as Miss Oregon, I was so shocked and thrilled at the same time.

This year I have traveled throughout the state of Oregon, participated in parades and festivals and volunteered for many different organizations and community groups. One of my favorite activities this year was being invited as a special guest to the Oregon Humane Society “America’s Next Top Dog Model” competition, where I got to sell raffle tickets and talk on the stage. I also enjoyed volunteering for the Oregon Humane Society by making handmade dog biscuits.

Attending nationals in California was awesome! I met some great new friends and got to go to Disneyland!! I spent a day on the Hollywood tour and we went to the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica beach! At nationals, I competed and placed in the top five in the Actress and Spokes model competitions! I had a blast and will never forget nationals!

My year would not have been so fantastic without my sister queens- you girls rock and don’t forget, we are all the “Juicy Couture Girls”!!! Matt Leverton, thank you for all of your support and kindness- you are the BEST! To the NAM staff- You make everyone feel like a STAR- thank you for putting on such a wonderful program. Oma and Papa- thank you for your unending support and love. Bailey- Thank you for always cheering me on and making me laugh. Mom and Dad- You always believe in me and you are the best parents ever!

As my year comes to an end, I take with me a lifetime of fond memories that I will always treasure! As you compete this weekend, remember that the true mark of a winner is she who works hard, tries her best and celebrates the success of all contestants! Make the most of this weekend and be proud of your accomplishments!